Former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of the bail application.
Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court issued the remand order on Friday, after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the ex-Anambra governor in court over a N2.2bn corruption allegation.
The judge adjourned the case to Monday, 15th December, for the hearing of the bail application related to allegations of misappropriation of funds and abuse of office during his tenure as Minister. The EFCC claims that Ngige, alongside other accomplices, engaged in fraudulent activities that led to the loss of public funds amounting to N2.2 billion.
The charges include conspiracy, money laundering, and diversion of public resources intended for labor and productivity initiatives. Ngige has denied all allegations, asserting that the accusations are politically motivated.
As the news unfolds, many are closely watching the developments in this high-profile case, particularly given Ngige’s previous political stature and influence in Nigeria. The hearing for the bail application is set to take place on Monday, and it remains to be seen how the court will respond to the defense’s arguments.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some calling for accountability in government, while others express concerns over the implications of such legal battles on Nigeria’s political landscape.
